CCW Kids Sunday Recap

Dear CCW Kids families,

First Thessalonians 4–5 serves as an encouraging, insightful, and convicting portion of the letters penned by Paul. As evidenced by the compassionate, heartfelt words he shared, the apostle loved his brothers and sisters who belonged to the church in Thessalonica. Because of the deep affection he held toward them, he exhorted them to lean into the special, set-apart lives Christ had called them to as His followers.
What does Paul say is the will of God for his brothers and sisters in Christ—both in the year A.D. 50 as well as in the modern-day church? How are we to accomplish this will according to today’s passage? 
We often wonder what God’s will for our lives may be. Yet we see throughout the pages of Scripture: His will is our sanctification—in sexual morality, self-control, holiness, and honor … on account of the knowledge of our God (1 Thess. 4:3-5). Paul writes in the next chapter that His will for us is that we would likewise continually rejoice, pray, and give thanks for all He has done (1 Thess. 5:16-18). He calls for a “whole-person” holiness in all parts of our lives: spirit, soul, and body, which only comes through placing our trust in Jesus—which means trusting in what He says is best for our lives. 
 For the church of Thessalonica to pursue God’s will for their lives would be entirely impossible if not for the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. They had to trust in the Lord to help them obey, believing in Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice as the basis of their faith. 
 As you take steps toward teaching this session, consider the ways you’ve been faithfully following Jesus. Be encouraged by all that He has done in your life to help you look more like Jesus through the power of His Spirit. Help kids see that they, too, can trust God’s character and goodness, which means that we can believe that His will for our lives—this call to sanctification—is good.
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. 

FAMILY TALKING POINTS

CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.

• Babies & Toddlers: God wants us to tell about Jesus and love one another because Jesus is coming back. 
• Younger Preschool: God wants us to tell about Jesus and love one another because Jesus is coming back. One day, Jesus will come back and make all things right. 
• Older Preschool: Christians have a special task to spread the good news of Jesus and to live for Him. We love one another and find joy in Jesus as we remember God’s promise to one day come back and make all things right. 
• Kids: Christians have a special purpose to spread the good news of Jesus and to live in a way that honors Him. We live holy lives, loving one another and finding joy in Jesus as we remember God’s promise to one day return and make all things right. 

BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Younger Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
• Older Preschool: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for all He has done for us. 
• Kids: Why should we praise Jesus? We should praise Jesus for what He has done to provide our salvation and also because He is returning one day to make all things right. 

KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit. 

• Babies & Toddlers: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
• Younger Preschool: Lord, I will praise Your name. Isaiah 25:1 
• Older Preschool: LORD, you are my God; … I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders. Isaiah 25:1 
• Kids: LORD, you are my God; I will exalt you. I will praise your name, for you have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1